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Santa Monica's Field Operations

Santa Monica’s $46.1 Mil Park Moves Forward.A crowd of about 200 Santa Monicans were on hand at the June 14 Santa Monica City Council’s consideration of the planned public parks to be placed in front of city hall. After a presentation by designer James Corner followed by a lovefest of public comment, the council proceeded with overall design plans and construction documents for Palisades Garden Walk, despite its $46.1 million price tag.
— Santa Monica Mirror

Now, I will quote myself when I said this to the journalist friend who asked my opinion on the proposal.

"The real critique of this park is not only the physical aspects of the complicated site but the "consumerist development" Santa Monica had adopted since the 80's on.
James Corner's park could be real useful if he understands this development policy that changed the personality of Santa Monica and somehow pairs its "gin fizz urbanism" with the real community "DNA" of Santa Monica as the "people's city." In short, if he can negotiate and balance it with consuming tourists and wealthy gentrification, then, perhaps, we would see a really good park for the money.
Without being nostalgic, Santa Monica could use a little inspiration from the old negative propaganda of intrepid developers, where it was regarded as "Peoples Republic of Santa Monica." Within the context of the late shiny developments, the city could now own this old misplaced adage and be proud of its progressive past."